Dec 28, 2007
Go Figure
My sister just got her PMR results today. 7A, and 1B for BM. My mum is furious. Yes, go figure. My distaste for Malaysia's education system is only matched by my disgust over parents' obsession toward the numbers of 'A's their children can grab.
Dec 13, 2007
Home
I'm back at my home now. Strange how everything remains so unchanged and familiar... It's as if I've just left this country for a month or so (instead of almost a year). Yet at the same time, I seemed to be a lack a sense of attachment and fondness to my surroundings. It's an awful paradox, remembering things that still stay as they were, yet at the same time you're totally detached from it.
Am I still sane, I wonder...
Am I still sane, I wonder...
Dec 12, 2007
Dec 11, 2007
Dec 8, 2007
Imagine...
Imagine...
You're in a plane, flying back to your home country. You have spent the last 11 months, studying in a foreign country, going into a transition from theoretical knowledge to clinical practice. You went thru a course with an entirely different assessment standards and expectations, which emphasize enthusiasm & participation more than knowledge. You struggled to maintain a balance in excelling in your hospital runs, assignments/case reports, & exams. You persevered thru all of these with diligence, far away from the support of your family back home...
And when you have landed at the airport back home, got your luggage, and reach the arrival gate, you push your trolley to the direction of your family you've just spotted from afar... feeling ashamed that you have failed your year, imagining the disappointment your family must have felt about you, trying not to think about the RM 100,000+ tuition fees that have went down the drain. Your confidence squashed, you feel worthless, and you start to doubt whether studying medicine was the right choice.
But you couldn't turn back now. It's 4 years down the road, and your parents have invested a fortune to bring you to where you are now. You have to push on, try again next year, repeating another stressful and tiring year, all over again. But this time, your friends have move on to another year above you. You still meet up with them and all of course, but you can no longer enjoyed the shared experience of overcoming the obstacles together.
Although I did pass my 4th year, I can't help but feel sad for those among us who did not make it. We've all work hard, and it's painful to see people not getting the reward for their diligence. But we have to move on. I have to move on.
For a career that demands us to be compassionate and empathetic to our patients, it's ironic (if not hypocritic) how much Medicine dehumanize us all (medical students).
You're in a plane, flying back to your home country. You have spent the last 11 months, studying in a foreign country, going into a transition from theoretical knowledge to clinical practice. You went thru a course with an entirely different assessment standards and expectations, which emphasize enthusiasm & participation more than knowledge. You struggled to maintain a balance in excelling in your hospital runs, assignments/case reports, & exams. You persevered thru all of these with diligence, far away from the support of your family back home...
And when you have landed at the airport back home, got your luggage, and reach the arrival gate, you push your trolley to the direction of your family you've just spotted from afar... feeling ashamed that you have failed your year, imagining the disappointment your family must have felt about you, trying not to think about the RM 100,000+ tuition fees that have went down the drain. Your confidence squashed, you feel worthless, and you start to doubt whether studying medicine was the right choice.
But you couldn't turn back now. It's 4 years down the road, and your parents have invested a fortune to bring you to where you are now. You have to push on, try again next year, repeating another stressful and tiring year, all over again. But this time, your friends have move on to another year above you. You still meet up with them and all of course, but you can no longer enjoyed the shared experience of overcoming the obstacles together.
Although I did pass my 4th year, I can't help but feel sad for those among us who did not make it. We've all work hard, and it's painful to see people not getting the reward for their diligence. But we have to move on. I have to move on.
For a career that demands us to be compassionate and empathetic to our patients, it's ironic (if not hypocritic) how much Medicine dehumanize us all (medical students).
Dec 7, 2007
The Call That Never Came
No calls were made from the university to me today = I've passed my 4th year. It's a relief really, but mixed feelings remain as not all of us made it through. Just want to say that I'm thankful to God that I've survive this hell of a year, and... well, no words can convey my sadness to those who didn't make it.
As I've said before, I knew not all of us will make it through this year. As selfish as this may sound, I'm just thankful that it wasn't me.
I will update more about the events leading to this final confirmation later... maybe tomorrow. We'll see.
As I've said before, I knew not all of us will make it through this year. As selfish as this may sound, I'm just thankful that it wasn't me.
I will update more about the events leading to this final confirmation later... maybe tomorrow. We'll see.
Dec 2, 2007
Cat Talk & Translation
Recently a cat talk video was posted on youtube & by the time I posted this, it has a total of 4 million hits already.
While I was not too impressed with this video, I REALLY enjoyed the "translated" version of the video by someone else.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
While I was not too impressed with this video, I REALLY enjoyed the "translated" version of the video by someone else.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Nov 30, 2007
Nov 27, 2007
Nov 26, 2007
Stats show...
It was never an issue whether all of us will made it thru 4th year or not. We all know that statistically (based on past performances by IMU students) that some of us will fail, like it or not.
I just hope that it isn't me...
I just hope that it isn't me...
Nov 24, 2007
Paper A - Thumbs down
The 1st paper went horribly. Horrible as in, I need a miracle now to pass my 4th year paper.
I might have sound overdramatic, considering how my peers came out of the exam hall, cheerful & smiling. Having blank-outs in the midst of the exam is truly an unpleasent feeling. Feel choked with despair halfway thru the exam, unable to answer parts of all the questions asked.
But I can't afford to grieve over my miserable performance in the 1st paper now. Paper B is awaiting in 3 days time. Eat, rest, and forward I go with my studies again.
I won't have mind failing if it doesn't cost me an extra RM 100,000 repeating for another year... So much effort wasted at the wrong end...
I might have sound overdramatic, considering how my peers came out of the exam hall, cheerful & smiling. Having blank-outs in the midst of the exam is truly an unpleasent feeling. Feel choked with despair halfway thru the exam, unable to answer parts of all the questions asked.
But I can't afford to grieve over my miserable performance in the 1st paper now. Paper B is awaiting in 3 days time. Eat, rest, and forward I go with my studies again.
I won't have mind failing if it doesn't cost me an extra RM 100,000 repeating for another year... So much effort wasted at the wrong end...
Nov 23, 2007
Radiohead Cover
Radiohead covering The Smiths' The Headmaster Ritual. Great live performance that cheers me up in dark time like these.
Nov 22, 2007
Resigned
I am utterly resigned to my fate now. Neither depair nor hopeful over the outcome of the results. One can only take in so much before turning numb, totally unreceptive towards additional stress inputs.
Never knew there's such thing as a refractory period in chronic stress.
...Is this learned helplessness?
Never knew there's such thing as a refractory period in chronic stress.
...Is this learned helplessness?
Nov 21, 2007
Lonely
For the first time in 4 years, I'm starting to feel that I can't cope with Medicine.
Nothing feels worse than feeling lonely in the presence of your friends. You're wrong John Donne. Each man is an island, entire of itself. The bridges we built to one another merely creates the illusion that we're connected. In the end, each individual have to face their own uncertain future all by himself.
Trying to imagine how it must have felt for the few IMU ppl who failed 5th year, & I realized that I just can put myself in their shoes. Tried to imagine what happens if I fail my 4th year now, & all I see is just pitch black. I CANNOT fail this, I can't afford to, but I still might. Too much to remember for my pea brain.
Nothing feels worse than feeling lonely in the presence of your friends. You're wrong John Donne. Each man is an island, entire of itself. The bridges we built to one another merely creates the illusion that we're connected. In the end, each individual have to face their own uncertain future all by himself.
Trying to imagine how it must have felt for the few IMU ppl who failed 5th year, & I realized that I just can put myself in their shoes. Tried to imagine what happens if I fail my 4th year now, & all I see is just pitch black. I CANNOT fail this, I can't afford to, but I still might. Too much to remember for my pea brain.
Nov 12, 2007
Coming of the Finals
In tough pre-finals time like this, it's God, a dear friend, Radiohead's music, and support from family and friends that keep me going. I would do well to remember them and be grateful after I have overcome this hurdle.
*One* *two* *three* *hold breath* and *dive in*.
Finals will be on the 24th and 28th of November 2007. I have MUCH to read up still.
*One* *two* *three* *hold breath* and *dive in*.
Finals will be on the 24th and 28th of November 2007. I have MUCH to read up still.
Nov 8, 2007
What I want for Christmas
What I want for Christmas:
Yes, although I'm a HUGE fan of Radiohead and have own several audio casettes of their albums, I have YET to own any CDs from them (except OK Computer, which somehow went missing...)
So ya, I'll be waiting... Those who are interested in sharing with me this wonderful gift, please click here. (LOL)
Yes, although I'm a HUGE fan of Radiohead and have own several audio casettes of their albums, I have YET to own any CDs from them (except OK Computer, which somehow went missing...)
So ya, I'll be waiting... Those who are interested in sharing with me this wonderful gift, please click here. (LOL)
Nov 7, 2007
White Coat, Mood Indigo
Glad to know that I'm not alone in this:
White coat, mood indigo - Depression in medical school
The big question lies in whether should I seek psychiatric help for this, as I know the main reason I'm suffering from this doom and gloom is bcuz of the lack of sense of control in my own life in this hectic schedule for the entire year. As my 4th year is drawing to a close, I really need to take some time off and put everything into perspective. But as usual, time does not allow it.
I'm already feeling the effects of burn-out setting in. Just hope I can last till the finals (and pass it of course).
The big question lies in whether should I seek psychiatric help for this, as I know the main reason I'm suffering from this doom and gloom is bcuz of the lack of sense of control in my own life in this hectic schedule for the entire year. As my 4th year is drawing to a close, I really need to take some time off and put everything into perspective. But as usual, time does not allow it.
I'm already feeling the effects of burn-out setting in. Just hope I can last till the finals (and pass it of course).
Oct 31, 2007
More YouTube Videos
Fine. Though I often project myself as a cynical and world-weary person, there's an undeniable streak of humanism in me. I love this video, and I wish more such videos are available in YouTube and less on hate rhetorics.
Currently reading
The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, by Samuel P. Huntington.
Fascinating read thus far. Totally change your perception on current trends in global politics. Whether you agree or disagree with the author, it is nevertheless a highly-recommended read to anyone.
Oct 28, 2007
A Voice of Reason
Wafa Sultan. Such passion. Such insight. Such courage. Such charisma. I've never been so moved by someone's conviction in my entire life. In 2 short videos, she managed to completely won me over.
Oct 25, 2007
Oct 12, 2007
My Verdict
After 5 listens of the entire album (4 by order, 1 shuffled), I have finally come to a verdict:
This may be the best Radiohead album yet!
I say 'may', because my initial reactions to each individual Radiohead albums have always been grossly different from my final opinion after months and years of listening to them. (While I like most albums by other artists early on and get tired of them eventually, Radiohead almost always causes the opposite. I hated it at first when I listen to the latest released album, then gradually warm up to their new creative direction, and ultimately embraced them as geniuses who's still at the top of their form, constantly exploring new sound and structure).
But this is a first Radiohead album which I consistently like every single songs in the first couple of listen. There is not a single weak track here, but a whole chain of multi-layered, painstakingly crafted songs. To say that I'm blown away is an understatement indeed!
My favourite Radiohead albums have been OK Computer 1st, Kid A 2nd, The Bends 3rd. And now in Rainbows threatened to knock all 3 down 1 spot! Yes I actually (may) liked this more than the legendary poll-topper OK Computer!
This may be the best Radiohead album yet!
I say 'may', because my initial reactions to each individual Radiohead albums have always been grossly different from my final opinion after months and years of listening to them. (While I like most albums by other artists early on and get tired of them eventually, Radiohead almost always causes the opposite. I hated it at first when I listen to the latest released album, then gradually warm up to their new creative direction, and ultimately embraced them as geniuses who's still at the top of their form, constantly exploring new sound and structure).
But this is a first Radiohead album which I consistently like every single songs in the first couple of listen. There is not a single weak track here, but a whole chain of multi-layered, painstakingly crafted songs. To say that I'm blown away is an understatement indeed!
My favourite Radiohead albums have been OK Computer 1st, Kid A 2nd, The Bends 3rd. And now in Rainbows threatened to knock all 3 down 1 spot! Yes I actually (may) liked this more than the legendary poll-topper OK Computer!
Oct 11, 2007
Radiohead Day
Seems like I'm not the only one who's going gaga over Radiohead's IN RAINBOWS. The internet community is already calling 10/10/2007 (UK time) Radiohead Day. Music industry reacts with shock with the unusual release of the album: you pick the price! Experts and fans are all analysing the potential impact this move will evolutionize the music industry.
Take a look yourself:
- International Herald Tribune: Radiohead Day arrives as reaction floods in to the band's new download-only album release
- Wired: Radiohead Hides Several Pots of Gold 'In Rainbows'
- Billboard: Thousands Start Day With Radiohead's 'In Rainbows'
- Minnesota Public Radio: The day the music (industry) died?
- PC World: Big Acts Follow Radiohead's Lead: Let Their Music Go Free
- NME: Radiohead: a brief history
- Rolling Stone: Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood on “In Rainbows”: “It’s Fun to Make People Think About What Music is Worth”
- Telegraph: Oasis, Jamiroquai to follow Radiohead
Today... is a GREAT day...
iN rAINBOWS
OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OMIGOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING I'M LISTENING TO RADIOHEAD'S LATEST ALBUM: IN RAINBOWS NOW THIS IS SO FREAKIN' UNBELIEVABLE IT'S SO SURREAL
HELP HELP I'M HYPERVENTILATING HELP HELP
OMG I'M DROWNING IN THE MUSIC NOW THIS IS ONE OF THE MILESTONE IN MY LIFE
NO NO NO WORDS CAN SUFFICIENTLY EXPRESS MY EXCITEMENT NOW SO I'M JUST GONNA SHUT UP AND DROWN MYSELF IN THE MUSIC FOR THE NEXT 10 HOURS
BYE BYE BYE PEOPLE
HELP HELP I'M HYPERVENTILATING HELP HELP
OMG I'M DROWNING IN THE MUSIC NOW THIS IS ONE OF THE MILESTONE IN MY LIFE
NO NO NO WORDS CAN SUFFICIENTLY EXPRESS MY EXCITEMENT NOW SO I'M JUST GONNA SHUT UP AND DROWN MYSELF IN THE MUSIC FOR THE NEXT 10 HOURS
BYE BYE BYE PEOPLE
Oct 9, 2007
Humility Where Art Thou
The lack of humility among med students around me is appaling. And I'm not even talking about the kiwi students.
Oct 8, 2007
Thom Yorke/ Symmetry/ In Rainbows
This is Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, my favourite band. That particular drooping left eye-lid he has is due to a surgical complication, when he has a paralysed left eye.
Wondering how he would look like if he never had that 'botched' surgery, I tried cutting the 'normal' half of his face and joined it with an identical flipped image. The results:
Wondering how he would look like if he never had that 'botched' surgery, I tried cutting the 'normal' half of his face and joined it with an identical flipped image. The results:
I'm fascinated with the results really. I remember some documentary discussing about how symmetrical face is usually judged to be beautiful/handsome by the crowd. Following that logic, I repeat the experiment with the other side of the face.
The results?
...
Here you go:
P.S. The official download for Radiohead's latest album, In Rainbows, will be out on the 10th of October. The price for the download? You decide! No really, you call the price! Have a look yourself!
Sep 29, 2007
Doctor's Handwriting
Here is a sample of a doctor's handwriting:
So what do you think it says? Guess!!! No I insist!!!
So what do you think it says? Guess!!! No I insist!!!
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
It's 'reassessed'!!!! Lol.
...On 2nd thought...
Maybe it's 'reviewed' instead, as suggested by a doctor from the States (see comments). You know what, I have absolutely no idea! God I'm really concerned about my future handwritings now.
Sep 23, 2007
A History of Violence
Yes, this is a violent movie, as the title explicitly says. But it's unlike any violence I've seen in movies. No gratuitious glorification of violence like what you've seen from The Matrix or (that pretentious outrageously racist) 300, but violence as it is: shocking and horrifying. But it is NOT an anti-violent sermon either, but a disturbing study of the necessity of violence in order to survive.
It makes me realize something. One can debate concerning the issues of morality when one has overcome the basic needs to live; but when it comes to survival, there is no good or evil. Merely the simple fact that the fittest survive.
Great movie to provoke you to think about the nature of violence, and I can almost guarantee you will be haunted by the movie after you've done watching it.
Here's a trailer for those who are curious.
Sep 7, 2007
Walking Zombie
General Surgery is almost over. For a moment I almost feel human again, walking in the sunlight, enjoying the view, nothing to worry about. Then I remember that I still have my 21 short case histories + discussion that I need to complete by Monday.
I can't help feeling that I'm fight a losing battle against the all-present apathy that engulfs me for the past couple of months. I don't feel pleasure in anything anymore. One day melts into another, feeling that I'm spending too much time in the hospital but learning too little bcuz I dunno where to start.
Right now, as in NOW, I don't want to have anything to do with Medicine. Honestly. I need a break.
I can't help feeling that I'm fight a losing battle against the all-present apathy that engulfs me for the past couple of months. I don't feel pleasure in anything anymore. One day melts into another, feeling that I'm spending too much time in the hospital but learning too little bcuz I dunno where to start.
Right now, as in NOW, I don't want to have anything to do with Medicine. Honestly. I need a break.
Aug 28, 2007
Death Note
My interest in anime has decreased significantly since I last watched Cowboy Bebop, as the quality of recent animes are lamentable. No, I do not mean the technical side, which is more glorious than ever. However, I'm juz not interested in the 'all style, no substance' trend that recent anime has increasingly adopted...
Until I finally found this series... Death Note.
Alright, to be honest, the premise sounds lame at first. A brilliant but eccentric, world-wearied high school student came across a 'Death Note' one day, which he discovered that he can kill anyone he has in mind so long as he writes the name down in the notebook, and picture the person's face in his mind. Experimenting the "Death Note" on 2 criminals, he was at first shocked that it really worked, but soon becomes obsessed with passing his righteous judgement upon the wicked, and crown himself a god of a new world. But the serial of 'killings' of criminals caught the attention of the police & crime investigators worldwide, and soon a mysterious, faceless detective known to the world only as 'L' begins his hunt for the mysterious mass murderer behind all these killings, nicknamed 'Kira'.
Now if you think the plot description sounds shallow, you're DEAD wrong. Even only after watching the 1st 3 episodes of the series, each episode continues to astound me with its depth. The existential themes explored in these episodes are intriguing, and I'm reminded of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, especially the protagonist Raskolnikov. The cat-&-mouse game between the 2 lead characters are incredible suspenseful (an adjective you'll hardly link to anime), and the lack of gratuitous action sequence & annoying chibli cuteness are incredibly refreshing changes to your everyday anime, to say the least. Coupled this with the high quality animation plus the seductively dark tone of the anime, who in their sane mind could have possibly overlook this gem?
The series seems incredibly promising to me, and you can bet I'll be following it for the next few weeks. If anyone is interested, head on to this link and judge for yourself!
Until I finally found this series... Death Note.
Alright, to be honest, the premise sounds lame at first. A brilliant but eccentric, world-wearied high school student came across a 'Death Note' one day, which he discovered that he can kill anyone he has in mind so long as he writes the name down in the notebook, and picture the person's face in his mind. Experimenting the "Death Note" on 2 criminals, he was at first shocked that it really worked, but soon becomes obsessed with passing his righteous judgement upon the wicked, and crown himself a god of a new world. But the serial of 'killings' of criminals caught the attention of the police & crime investigators worldwide, and soon a mysterious, faceless detective known to the world only as 'L' begins his hunt for the mysterious mass murderer behind all these killings, nicknamed 'Kira'.
Now if you think the plot description sounds shallow, you're DEAD wrong. Even only after watching the 1st 3 episodes of the series, each episode continues to astound me with its depth. The existential themes explored in these episodes are intriguing, and I'm reminded of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, especially the protagonist Raskolnikov. The cat-&-mouse game between the 2 lead characters are incredible suspenseful (an adjective you'll hardly link to anime), and the lack of gratuitous action sequence & annoying chibli cuteness are incredibly refreshing changes to your everyday anime, to say the least. Coupled this with the high quality animation plus the seductively dark tone of the anime, who in their sane mind could have possibly overlook this gem?
The series seems incredibly promising to me, and you can bet I'll be following it for the next few weeks. If anyone is interested, head on to this link and judge for yourself!
Aug 5, 2007
Medical Aplitude Test
Taking the medical aplitude test after Keat's example... Here's my results:
Well happily emergency medicine is my current favourite specialty, but disappointedly general med & general practice are so low down in the list as I do include them under consideration. I've practically ruled out surgery as one of my future career path, so it's quite annoying to see them so high up (probably bcuz of my tendency for more immediate results seen), and I absolutely hated orthopaedics. Psych is among the top ten which is cool, as I do have some interest in it. No idea bout paeds & O&G, will only have the runs next year.
On a side note, pathology is the lowest in the list... the direct opposite of Keat's list lol
I'm in my general surgery run now... Stuck in a field I have little interest in... Can't wait for this to be over and get started on Psych next lol.
1 emergency med 40
2 dermatology 39
3 med oncology 39
4 orthopaedic surgery 38
5 pediatrics 37
6 obstetrics/gynecology 37
7 psychiatry 37
8 nephrology 37
9 gastroenterology 36
10 allergy & immunology 36
11 aerospace med 35
12 radiology 35
13 nuclear med 35
14 neurosurgery 34
15 general surgery 34
16 plastic surgery 34
17 hematology 34
18 otolaryngology 34
19 endocrinology 33
20 general internal med 33
21 family practice 33
22 preventive med 33
23 urology 33
24 rheumatology 33
25 neurology 33
26 pulmonology 32
27 ophthalmology 32
28 physical med & rehabilitation 32
29 thoracic surgery 31
30 infectious disease 31
31 colon & rectal surgery 31
32 radiation oncology 30
33 cardiology 30
34 anesthesiology 28
35 occupational med 28
36 pathology 28
Well happily emergency medicine is my current favourite specialty, but disappointedly general med & general practice are so low down in the list as I do include them under consideration. I've practically ruled out surgery as one of my future career path, so it's quite annoying to see them so high up (probably bcuz of my tendency for more immediate results seen), and I absolutely hated orthopaedics. Psych is among the top ten which is cool, as I do have some interest in it. No idea bout paeds & O&G, will only have the runs next year.
On a side note, pathology is the lowest in the list... the direct opposite of Keat's list lol
I'm in my general surgery run now... Stuck in a field I have little interest in... Can't wait for this to be over and get started on Psych next lol.
Jul 21, 2007
And so it ends... (No spoilers, promise)
July 21st, 2007. The day the classics of our time concluded. The seventh installment of the Harry Potter series is finally out.
And here I am trying to catch up the entire series again starting from book one. Barely started Chamber of Secrets today. I'm crossing my fingers that no one will spoil the ending for me till I finish the entire series myself.
And for that purpose I'm turning off the comment box lest anyone post up the spoilers on me... And I'll probably avoid checking comments from other posts as well just in case lol.
Better catch up fast...
I'm Better Off Dead
Nearing the end of my General Medicine run... and I'm feeling I'm about to burn out as well. An incredibly exhausting run really. And guess what run will I be having next? Another 6 weeks of General Surgery (something I have zero interest on)...
Really, I'm better off dead. (Thanks to Radiohead for the phrase, it's like my motto now lol).
Really, I'm better off dead. (Thanks to Radiohead for the phrase, it's like my motto now lol).
Jul 15, 2007
1st time Rubik's Cube solved!
Bought a Rubik's cube yesterday out of the blue. After spending almost 24 hours trying to crack it (with online help of cuz), I've managed to solve it! YES!!! The very 1st time I solved a Rubik's cube! Another childhood dream comes true! Lol.Who would have thought that such a small cube of a toy could cheer me up in my days of blue...
Jun 19, 2007
Jun 13, 2007
I've Bought A Car!!!
I've bought a car! 2002 Honda FIT (known as Jazz in M'sia) Sport! 1.5cc Vtec, mileage 38,000km, 2nd hand, imported from Japan! No more boring weekends! Yay~
May 31, 2007
A Quick Summary of My Academic Life Thus Far
Alright it's time to update about my academic life here.
My 4th year starts off with 2 weeks of campus learning, i.e. lectures and labs discussions. I have to admit that I'm not used to the lecture time of 8 to 5 really, after having only 2 hours of lectures back in IMU daily. I'm still having difficulties communicating with my caucasian batchmates, compared to the asian counterparts. The weird accent and the figure of speech they used are sometimes just too different for me to comprehend.
1st run after the lecture weeks was 2 weeks of Anaesthetic in Middlemore. A really relaxing and enjoyable run on retrospect. Since the anaesthetist have plenty of free time to teach during surgery, I get to learn a lot from them as well as watch plenty of different surgeries. Unfortunately this run requires a lot of knowledge on pharmacology though, one of my weakest subject. But I'm glad I started off with this, as I have refreshed most of my pharmaco knowledge by the time of my next run.
4 weeks of Locomotor (Orthopaedics and Rheumatology) in Auckland comes next. Well, it was a BAAAAAAAADDDDD run for me. The consultants and registrars were much too busy to bother teaching anything to me, and most of what I learn during this period was self-directed. Ward rounds were so boring and useless I skipped it after suffering for 1 and a half week. But I did learn something in both orthopaedic and rheumatology clinics though. By the end of the run, joints examinations weren't as difficult as I thought it to be after all.
Next comes 4 weeks of General Practise posting: 2 weeks urban practise with Dr John Tseung in Epsom, 2 weeks rural practise at Dargaville. This was definitely the best run I have so far. Seen plenty of different cases and even learn a bit of simple suturing techniques. It was also fascinating to observe how closely primary care is linked to secondary & tertiary care in NZ. All healthcare records are keyed into a system that can be accessible by all of the patient's healthcare provider, making patient's medical background easily obtained. It's also interesting to experience how much more warm & friendlier rural practise are in comparison to Auckland.
2 weeks in the Emergency Department at Auckland came finally before my holiday. Being the field I'm currently most interested in, I have lots of anticipation in this run. Well it turns out that the ED in Auckland is much more quieter than I thought. In the 6 days I was attached there, I only get to see 3 potentially life-threatening admission. Others mostly concerns of fractures, sudden collapse & a long list of silly GP cases. I do like the work environment though, as the doctors here mostly work independently unless there's a real emergency, and when in doubt you can always consult the consultant in duty. Otherwise you don't have to tolerate any form of bossing around by your superiors as you work mostly on your own.
Holidays came next, and 14 of us IMU ppl (+ one outside boyfriend lol) went to Rotorua. But that's another post for another time! XD
My 4th year starts off with 2 weeks of campus learning, i.e. lectures and labs discussions. I have to admit that I'm not used to the lecture time of 8 to 5 really, after having only 2 hours of lectures back in IMU daily. I'm still having difficulties communicating with my caucasian batchmates, compared to the asian counterparts. The weird accent and the figure of speech they used are sometimes just too different for me to comprehend.
1st run after the lecture weeks was 2 weeks of Anaesthetic in Middlemore. A really relaxing and enjoyable run on retrospect. Since the anaesthetist have plenty of free time to teach during surgery, I get to learn a lot from them as well as watch plenty of different surgeries. Unfortunately this run requires a lot of knowledge on pharmacology though, one of my weakest subject. But I'm glad I started off with this, as I have refreshed most of my pharmaco knowledge by the time of my next run.
4 weeks of Locomotor (Orthopaedics and Rheumatology) in Auckland comes next. Well, it was a BAAAAAAAADDDDD run for me. The consultants and registrars were much too busy to bother teaching anything to me, and most of what I learn during this period was self-directed. Ward rounds were so boring and useless I skipped it after suffering for 1 and a half week. But I did learn something in both orthopaedic and rheumatology clinics though. By the end of the run, joints examinations weren't as difficult as I thought it to be after all.
Next comes 4 weeks of General Practise posting: 2 weeks urban practise with Dr John Tseung in Epsom, 2 weeks rural practise at Dargaville. This was definitely the best run I have so far. Seen plenty of different cases and even learn a bit of simple suturing techniques. It was also fascinating to observe how closely primary care is linked to secondary & tertiary care in NZ. All healthcare records are keyed into a system that can be accessible by all of the patient's healthcare provider, making patient's medical background easily obtained. It's also interesting to experience how much more warm & friendlier rural practise are in comparison to Auckland.
2 weeks in the Emergency Department at Auckland came finally before my holiday. Being the field I'm currently most interested in, I have lots of anticipation in this run. Well it turns out that the ED in Auckland is much more quieter than I thought. In the 6 days I was attached there, I only get to see 3 potentially life-threatening admission. Others mostly concerns of fractures, sudden collapse & a long list of silly GP cases. I do like the work environment though, as the doctors here mostly work independently unless there's a real emergency, and when in doubt you can always consult the consultant in duty. Otherwise you don't have to tolerate any form of bossing around by your superiors as you work mostly on your own.
Holidays came next, and 14 of us IMU ppl (+ one outside boyfriend lol) went to Rotorua. But that's another post for another time! XD
May 17, 2007
The Secret Garden
I was walking back to my flats during my rural general practice posting in Dargaville when I encounter this unbelievably beautiful view. I snapped like a dozen shots of it, and this is my favourite among the series. I call it "The Secret Garden".
May 16, 2007
Like hearing the voice of God...
Probably the most moving description of Mozart's music ever. The following scene is taken from the 1984 movie Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman, where Mozart's jealous rival Salieri described the piece in a flashback scene. The piece is Serenade For Winds K. 361: 3rd Movement (Gran Partita).
And yes, that single oboe note near the beginning of the piece is probably the most rapturous note I've ever heard in my life.
And yes, that single oboe note near the beginning of the piece is probably the most rapturous note I've ever heard in my life.
May 11, 2007
Apr 20, 2007
Ismail Ax
I've been haunted by the news of the Virginia Tech Massacre for the past couple of days. A korean teen murderer, 30 people dead and 32 wounded, shot in random. While most people would express outrage and disgust towards Cho Seung-hui/ Ismail Ax, the perpetrator of the massacre, I can't help but feel drawn towards wondering WHY he did it. In a way, I sympathize him more than the 60+ people who were shot by him. Does that make me a sick person, I wonder...
He considered himself a martyr, and I wonder, a martyr for what cause? It's a burning question to me, but as far as I know, there's no answers from the media just yet. I can't help it. While I totally oppose what he has committed, I'm fascinated with what motivates Ismail Ax (the name on his tattoo, I'm assuming it's his alter ego) that resulted in such an epic tragedy.
I'll be watching out for any news concerning this events these coming days.
He considered himself a martyr, and I wonder, a martyr for what cause? It's a burning question to me, but as far as I know, there's no answers from the media just yet. I can't help it. While I totally oppose what he has committed, I'm fascinated with what motivates Ismail Ax (the name on his tattoo, I'm assuming it's his alter ego) that resulted in such an epic tragedy.
I'll be watching out for any news concerning this events these coming days.
Mar 22, 2007
Watching the Kiwis
Ok, time to report some of my findings on New Zealanders:-
Observations:
1. The accent - Well NZ accent is very subtle in general, I don't have much problem understanding them, and neither do they have much trouble understanding me (big contrast with my last Sydney/Gold Coast trip in Australia). The one funny thing bout the accent is the way they pronouce 'e' the way we pronouce 'i'. Therefore, 'head & neck' sounds like 'hiad & nick', 'desk' becomes 'disk', 'tension' -> 'tinsion', and 'medicine', 'midcine'.
Example: (for bist effict, rid this aloud)
sex - one liss than sivven
It was kinda amusing (and sometime hilarious) when I first hear them, but I'm getting used to them now. Oh they also love to use 'aye' a lot by the way, not unlike the 'la' we Malaysians have the habit to use at the end of our sentences. Well in general, I'm surprised by how gentle the accent sounds, since I was expecting something harsher, like the Australian accent. But they do have the habit to mumble once in awhile though, which is when I can hardly understand anything lol.
2. The opening hours - Yes I DID expect shops to close down early in the Australasia region, but imagine this: Most shopping malls are closed around 4.30-5pm on a Sunday!!! I mean, what the hell?! How am I supposed to spend my weekend nights then? The only things you can do to entertain yourself at night is drinking here really. Which brings me to my next point... (Before that, I juz wanna confess that I REALLY miss Malaysian night life...) <=(
3. The drinking orgy - Alright I've overexaggerated there. But it's true to a certain extent: people here engage in binge drinking more often than not. It's as if their sole purpose of visiting a bar or having a drinking party is to get drunk. Then you'll see the most well-behaved people saying all kinds of incomprehensible rubbish, while some of us even received some racist remarks and all (someone thrown an egg at one of us while we were walking back along a road at night). And god when they drink, the stink of beer stays at the place for hours. And they get pretty rowdy when they're high too, which is rather annoying for someone who enjoys the quiet and peaceful enviroment of NZ.
4. The diet - Strange enough, the diet here in Auckland (read: Auckland, not NZ. I have no idea how things are outside Auckland) is filled with all sorts of Asian delights. Rice is a common staple food, Japanese/Chinese/Korean restaurants can be found everywhere, they have a nice selection of indian dhal, and best of all, the satay here actually taste better than the ones in Malaysia! The lamb here is delicious, but the pork here juz turns me off. It has the weird, unpleasent aroma with it. Quite a pity actually, since it's refreshing to see pork everywhere here compared with Malaysia.
Oh and they have really light lunches here. The people here often have sandwich for lunch. Which is REALLY bad for me, since lunch is usually my heaviest meal of the day back home. And of cuz, supper is almost non-existent here. Thank god they do have a wide selection of instant noodles here, again, due to the high Asian influence in their diet. Indomee, maggi mee, hokkien mee, singapore fried noodle, vietnamese nice noodle, korean kimchi noodle, japanese udon... All these you can get easily in the instant noodle section of the supermarkets/asian grocery shops here.
5. The multiracial community - One of the reason I feel quite at home in Auckland is due to the fact that there's quite a multiracial community here. There are more than 15% of Asians here (18.9% according to the 2006 census), 25% are Maoris or Polynesians while the rest are causcasians. Even the caucasians are from all over the world: UK, Europe, North America, South Africa (quite a number of them. funny accent)... A very colourful community indeed. I've been with chinese, middle-eastern, maori, and american doctors in my hospital attachments so far, and it's been quite an interesting experience learning from them. It's a relief that I'm not a minor minority here really lol.
Well that's all I can think of for now. Well update more if I recall any further observations! ;)
Observations:
1. The accent - Well NZ accent is very subtle in general, I don't have much problem understanding them, and neither do they have much trouble understanding me (big contrast with my last Sydney/Gold Coast trip in Australia). The one funny thing bout the accent is the way they pronouce 'e' the way we pronouce 'i'. Therefore, 'head & neck' sounds like 'hiad & nick', 'desk' becomes 'disk', 'tension' -> 'tinsion', and 'medicine', 'midcine'.
Example: (for bist effict, rid this aloud)
sex - one liss than sivven
It was kinda amusing (and sometime hilarious) when I first hear them, but I'm getting used to them now. Oh they also love to use 'aye' a lot by the way, not unlike the 'la' we Malaysians have the habit to use at the end of our sentences. Well in general, I'm surprised by how gentle the accent sounds, since I was expecting something harsher, like the Australian accent. But they do have the habit to mumble once in awhile though, which is when I can hardly understand anything lol.
2. The opening hours - Yes I DID expect shops to close down early in the Australasia region, but imagine this: Most shopping malls are closed around 4.30-5pm on a Sunday!!! I mean, what the hell?! How am I supposed to spend my weekend nights then? The only things you can do to entertain yourself at night is drinking here really. Which brings me to my next point... (Before that, I juz wanna confess that I REALLY miss Malaysian night life...) <=(
3. The drinking orgy - Alright I've overexaggerated there. But it's true to a certain extent: people here engage in binge drinking more often than not. It's as if their sole purpose of visiting a bar or having a drinking party is to get drunk. Then you'll see the most well-behaved people saying all kinds of incomprehensible rubbish, while some of us even received some racist remarks and all (someone thrown an egg at one of us while we were walking back along a road at night). And god when they drink, the stink of beer stays at the place for hours. And they get pretty rowdy when they're high too, which is rather annoying for someone who enjoys the quiet and peaceful enviroment of NZ.
4. The diet - Strange enough, the diet here in Auckland (read: Auckland, not NZ. I have no idea how things are outside Auckland) is filled with all sorts of Asian delights. Rice is a common staple food, Japanese/Chinese/Korean restaurants can be found everywhere, they have a nice selection of indian dhal, and best of all, the satay here actually taste better than the ones in Malaysia! The lamb here is delicious, but the pork here juz turns me off. It has the weird, unpleasent aroma with it. Quite a pity actually, since it's refreshing to see pork everywhere here compared with Malaysia.
Oh and they have really light lunches here. The people here often have sandwich for lunch. Which is REALLY bad for me, since lunch is usually my heaviest meal of the day back home. And of cuz, supper is almost non-existent here. Thank god they do have a wide selection of instant noodles here, again, due to the high Asian influence in their diet. Indomee, maggi mee, hokkien mee, singapore fried noodle, vietnamese nice noodle, korean kimchi noodle, japanese udon... All these you can get easily in the instant noodle section of the supermarkets/asian grocery shops here.
5. The multiracial community - One of the reason I feel quite at home in Auckland is due to the fact that there's quite a multiracial community here. There are more than 15% of Asians here (18.9% according to the 2006 census), 25% are Maoris or Polynesians while the rest are causcasians. Even the caucasians are from all over the world: UK, Europe, North America, South Africa (quite a number of them. funny accent)... A very colourful community indeed. I've been with chinese, middle-eastern, maori, and american doctors in my hospital attachments so far, and it's been quite an interesting experience learning from them. It's a relief that I'm not a minor minority here really lol.
Well that's all I can think of for now. Well update more if I recall any further observations! ;)
Mar 17, 2007
Random Pics
Auckland City Central, as seen from a ferry. Well it does look pretty, doesn't it? The tall tower over there is Sky Tower, tallest tower in the south hemisphere... Still much shorter than KL Tower though, not to mention the Petronas Twin Towers.
Auckland Domain at dusk. This picture don't do any justice to the beauty of the domain, as I took it with my lousy handphone VGA camera. It looks like some sort of sacred ground really. And man it's HUGE!
Everybody getting ready for the start of the Starlight Symphony, an annual event of live classical music performances and fireworks!
I've bought a bottle of dessert wine just to enjoy it along with the show! Hehe...
Keat caught in the act! Haha...
Cheers to Khang Hee's soon-to-be-born baby!
Fireworks coordinated with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture (remember the song from V For Vendetta when the whole parliament building went kaboom?) It's one helluva impressive display! There's even canon shots and all in the domain! 
Lion dance at Sky City (The atrium of Sky Tower). Reminds me of CNY celebrations back home...
One Tree Hill, the highest peak in Auckland. Used to have a lone tree sitting on top of the hill, but have since been chopped off. There's a long and amusing history behind this hill, you can check it out in Wikipedia if you're interested. 
The obelisk on top of One Tree Hill. The figure over there is a statue of a Maori warrior.
Pride of Auckland sailing tour. The uni sponsored half of the ticket costs for us, which is why most of us can't resist giving it a try.
All of us have a chance to steer the sail for the Pride of Auckland tour! And don't let the jacket fooled you: it's hot as hell then! Lol. The weather here can be very unpredictable.
Downtown Britomart, the central bus station of Auckland.
Flowers!!! Colourful!!! Hehe...
The Auckland Wartime Museum at Auckland Domain. Beautiful architecture, but very singular though. You won't find many such classical buildings in Auckland.
The marae visit. A marae is a place of meeting for the Maori people, which is held to be a sacred ground by them since... forever. We have 2 days of lectures here inside the building, and spent a night sleeping inside the building.
The interior of the marae. Yes I know, the place looks bigger from the inside doesn't it? The chairs are all aligned for the (exceptionally boring) lectures.
Laying the mattresses down to sleep for the night in the marae! I looked quite stoned there don't I? Lol.
Dusk at the fields close to the marae. The variety of colours in the pics reminded me of the paintings of my favourite artist, Van Gogh. Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island that emerged from the sea about 5 decades ago, rests in a dormant state mysteriously at the background of the pic.Mar 9, 2007
Brilliant Phony Trailers
Sorry guys with the lack of updates. I'm definitely gonna upload some pictures this weekend. Been busy with my anaesthetic postings and all this past 2 weeks.
In the mean time, check out these phony movie trailers! I have never posted youtube movies on my blog before, but these are just so impressive I just can't resist sharing with you guys!
In the mean time, check out these phony movie trailers! I have never posted youtube movies on my blog before, but these are just so impressive I just can't resist sharing with you guys!
Alritey! 1st off, we have Brokeback to the Future, which is probably the best-known of all the 3 that I'm posting here. It's hilarious and brilliant and the same time, with all the clever manipulation of scenes and dialogues that are originally from the Back to the Future trilogy.
Next we have some old classics with a modern spin! Gosh that's a gross understatement. Just imagine how the story of Moses and the exodus would be like with an R&B soundtrack! Lol. The 'principal firebush' scene at the end is just freaking hilarious! Thank God for Quentin Tarantino and Samuel L Jackson!
And finally, who would have thought that Mary Poppins could be a figure of such disturbing horror?! Whatever trace of the sweet nanny who sing such happy tunes like "Just A Spoonful of Sugar Makes the Medicine Go Down" is totally lost in the demonic rendition of Scary Mary... This clip never ceased to give me goosebumps everytime I watched it alone at night! By far my favourite among the 3.
Feb 19, 2007
Grafton Vista
Grafton Halls of Residence, where I am living now. I apologize for the lack of pics on my room, as it is in a horrible state of messiness now... Well, at least MY part of the room. Keat's part is squeeky clean and tidy, as we have come to expect of him. Haha...
View from Grafton Hall. The building that is bathed in the golden light of dusk (such a hopeless romantic) is the school of medicine, i.e. Grafton Campus. The building behind it is Auckland City Hospital, one of the hospital we'll be attached to for our postings (there's 3 others). The left building of the hospital has just been constructed, explaining the more posh appearence than the one on the right with the tall chimney.
Feb 2, 2007
Greetings from Auckland
Kia ora everyone! I've arrived safely at Auckland on Monday, 29th of January 2007, around 12.20pm (NZ time, 7.20am in Malaysia). Too busy since I've landed to blog lol. Well actually, I'm quite free here at night, since there's absolutely nothing to do here at night, as almost everything is closed by 5pm. But I'm still suffering from jet lag till now, as I have this weird sleeping habits of taking a nap which last for 2-3 hours, woke up for another 2 hours before I can go back to sleep. I guess the sunlight might have contributed to my messed up circadian rhythm, as it shines brightly till 9pm!Well I'll try to update this blog with some pics I've taken in the coming days. For now, I just wanna take a rest after a hectic week of orientation, which involves HOURS of walking lol. But walking around Auckland is a real joy, espeacially with all the beautiful scenery, sunny streets and cool breeze. Sad that I still can't a supermarket though hehe.
Stay tuned for more in the next few days! We're gonna explore the places around us in the coming weekend. And there'll be a sailing trip around the seas of Auckland this Sunday too!
Jan 25, 2007
Pre-departure Days
The maiden post. Lol.
Well since people I know would be interested (I hope) bout the encounters and experiences (wait am I being repetitive there?) I'll be having when I finally begin my clinical training in Auckland, I figured it's time for me to start a new blog.
Why not continuing posting on the old one? Well I suspect I have 2 different groups of readers visiting my blog: one interested in my thoughts (more like ramblings), the other on my daily (mis)adventures. Now I don't wanna alienate either groups when I start to post entries that are the opposite of what they hope to find out, so I'll just post them under separate blogs.
3 more days before departure... funny how apathetic I am considering this will be the 1st time I'm leaving my country for a long time, 10 months to be exact. And I still have plenty of last minute packing to do. Well I guess this should be my last entry on this blog before I leave M'sia. I'll probably miss the food here I guess, but I'm still looking forward for a new life at Auckland.
...Oh well I guess I don't have much to say for now. So let's wrap this up: 25th January 2007, the birth of this blog! Easy to remember huh, 1 month after Christmas. Watch out for updates after my flight to Auckland on the 28th of January!
Well since people I know would be interested (I hope) bout the encounters and experiences (wait am I being repetitive there?) I'll be having when I finally begin my clinical training in Auckland, I figured it's time for me to start a new blog.
Why not continuing posting on the old one? Well I suspect I have 2 different groups of readers visiting my blog: one interested in my thoughts (more like ramblings), the other on my daily (mis)adventures. Now I don't wanna alienate either groups when I start to post entries that are the opposite of what they hope to find out, so I'll just post them under separate blogs.
3 more days before departure... funny how apathetic I am considering this will be the 1st time I'm leaving my country for a long time, 10 months to be exact. And I still have plenty of last minute packing to do. Well I guess this should be my last entry on this blog before I leave M'sia. I'll probably miss the food here I guess, but I'm still looking forward for a new life at Auckland.
...Oh well I guess I don't have much to say for now. So let's wrap this up: 25th January 2007, the birth of this blog! Easy to remember huh, 1 month after Christmas. Watch out for updates after my flight to Auckland on the 28th of January!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)